Tile leveling tensioner

ABSTRACT

For leveling tile, a tensioner includes a leveling surface, a tapered surface, a leveling platform, and a bubble level. The leveling surface is disposed on proximal surfaces of first and/or second tiles. The tapered surface tapers from a front edge disposed opposite the leveling surface to a level platform, wherein there is a first separation distance between the tapered surface at the front edge and the leveling surface. The leveling platform is separated by a second separation distance from the leveling surface, wherein the leveling platform is parallel to the leveling surface. The bubble level is embedded in the leveling platform, wherein the bubble level indicates whether the leveling platform and the leveling surface is level.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to which claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/627,686 entitled “TILE LEVELING DEVICE” filed on Dec. 23, 2019 for Raunier Mendiluza, which is incorporated herein by reference, and which is a US nationalization of and claims priority to PCT Application PCT/US18/26225 entitled “TILE LEVELING DEVICE” filed on Apr. 5, 2018 for Eventile, Inc., which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a tile leveling device for leveling tiles.

BACKGROUND Description of the Related Art

Ceramic tiles must be laid in a level position.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A tensioner for leveling tiles is disclosed. The tensioner includes a leveling surface, a tapered surface, a leveling platform, and a bubble level. The leveling surface is disposed on proximal surfaces of first and/or second tiles. The tapered surface tapers from a front edge disposed opposite the leveling surface to a level platform, wherein there is a first separation distance between the tapered surface at the front edge and the leveling surface. The leveling platform is separated by a second separation distance from the leveling surface, wherein the leveling platform is parallel to the leveling surface. The bubble level is embedded in the leveling platform, wherein the bubble level indicates whether the leveling platform and the leveling surface is level.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more particular description of the embodiments briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only some embodiments and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of scope, the embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing illustrating one embodiment of a tile leveling device;

FIG. 2 is a front view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a tile leveling device;

FIG. 3A is a side view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a tile leveling device;

FIG. 3B is a side view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a tile leveling device and tiles;

FIG. 3C is a side view drawing illustrating one alternate embodiment of a tile leveling device and tiles;

FIG. 4A is a top view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a tile leveling device;

FIG. 4B is a top view drawing illustrating one alternate embodiment of a tile leveling device;

FIG. 5 is a perspective drawing illustrating one alternate embodiment of a tile leveling device;

FIG. 6 is a front view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a tile leveling device;

FIG. 7 is a side view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a tile leveling device;

FIG. 8 is a top view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a tile leveling device;

FIG. 9A is a side view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a base;

FIG. 9B is a side view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a base and leveling ridge;

FIG. 9C is a side view drawing illustrating one alternate embodiment of a base and leveling ridge;

FIG. 10 is a perspective drawing illustrating one embodiment of a base intersection;

FIG. 11A is a perspective drawing illustrating one embodiment of a tensioner and tile leveling device; and

FIG. 11B is a perspective drawing illustrating one embodiment of a tensioner and tile leveling device disposed on tiles;

FIG. 11C is a side view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a tensioner;

FIG. 11D is a front view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a tensioner and leveling device;

FIG. 12A is a side perspective drawing illustrating one alternate embodiment of a tile leveling device;

FIG. 12B is a front perspective drawing illustrating one alternate embodiment of a tile leveling device;

FIG. 13A is a perspective drawing illustrating one embodiment of a break area;

FIG. 13B is a side view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a break area;

FIG. 14A is a side perspective drawing illustrating one alternate embodiment of a tensioner;

FIG. 14B is a top view drawing illustrating one alternate embodiment of a tensioner;

FIG. 14C is a side view drawing illustrating one alternate embodiment of a tensioner;

FIG. 14D is a bottom perspective drawing illustrating one alternate embodiment of a tensioner;

FIG. 15A is a side perspective drawing illustrating one embodiment of a tile leveling device; and

FIG. 15B is a side perspective drawing illustrating one alternate embodiment of a tile leveling device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments.

The description of elements in each figure may refer to elements of proceeding figures. Like numbers refer to like elements in all figures, including alternate embodiments of like elements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing illustrating one embodiment of a tile leveling device 100. The tile leveling device 100 positions tiles such as ceramic tiles in a relative level positions during installation. In the depicted embodiment, the tile leveling device 100 includes a tower 105, a base 120, and leveling ridges 130.

The tower 105 includes a cross piece 110 and at least one strut 115. In the depicted embodiment, the tower 105 includes two struts 115. The at least one strut 115 extends in a distal direction 150 along a first axis 145 from the cross piece 110.

The base 120 may be connected to the at least one strut 115 at base intersections 140 and may extend traversely in one or more of a first traverse direction 155 and a second traverse direction 160 from the at least one strut 115. In one embodiment, the base 120 extends in the first traverse direction 155 traverse to the tower 105. In addition, the base 120 may extend in the second traverse direction 160 opposite the first traverse direction 155 from the tower 105. The first traverse direction 155 and the second traverse direction 160 may be orthogonal to the first axis 145.

The cross piece 110, the at least one strut 115, and the base 120 may form a tension gap 125. In the depicted embodiment, the tension gap 125 is bounded by the two struts 115, the cross piece 110, and the base 120.

The base 120 includes one or more leveling ridges 130. The leveling ridges 130 may be disposed on a proximal surface 121 of the base 120. Each leveling ridge 130 may comprise a distal ridge side 131 connected to the base 120 and a proximal ridge surface 132 in a proximal direction 151 along the first axis 145 from the base 120.

In the depicted embodiment, the base 120 includes a mortar passage 135. The mortar passage 135 may be disposed between the leveling ridges 130. The mortar passage 135 may allow mortar to pass between the leveling ridges 130 and/or the base 120.

FIG. 2 is a front view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a tile leveling device 100. In the depicted embodiment, each strut 115 includes a break line 141 disposed at the base intersection 140. The break line 141 may be disposed at an offset distance 147 in the distal direction 150 along the first axis 145 from and/or relative to the proximal ridge surface 132. The offset distance 147 may be in the range of 0.5 to 3 millimeters (mm). In one embodiment, the offset distance 147 is 1 mm. The offset distance 147 may permit mortar to fill between a tile (not shown) disposed on the leveling ridge 130 and the base 120, improving set of the tile.

In one embodiment, each strut 115 includes one or more spacing bars 175. The spacing bars 175 may maintain a specified spacing between tiles.

FIG. 3A is a side view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a tile leveling device 100. In the depicted embodiment, each strut 115 has a first traverse width 170. The first traverse width 170 may be a first desired spacing between tiles. In one embodiment, the first traverse width 170 is in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 mm. In a certain embodiment, the first traverse width 170 is 1 mm.

The total of a width of one or more spacing bars 175 and the first traverse width 170 is a second traverse width 180. In one embodiment, the second traverse width 180 is in the range of 1.5-5 mm. Each spacing bar 175 may have a width of 1 mm. The second traverse width may be 1 mm for no spacing bars 175, 2 mm for one spacing bar 175, and 3 mm for two spacing bars 17 as shown.

FIG. 3B is a side view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a tile leveling device 100 with spacing bars 175 and tiles 300. In the depicted embodiment, tiles 300 are disposed on the leveling ridges 130. Distal surfaces 303 of the tiles 300 are disposed on the leveling ridges 130. The tiles 300 may further include proximal surfaces 301. The tiles 300 further abut the spacing bars 175. As a result, the tiles 300 are separated by the second traverse width 180.

FIG. 3C is a side view drawing illustrating one alternate embodiment of a tile leveling device 100 without spacing bars 175 and the tiles 300. In the depicted embodiment, the tiles 300 are disposed on the leveling ridges 130. The tiles 300 further abut the struts 115. As a result, the tiles 300 are separated by the first traverse width 170. A distal surface 303 of a first tile 300 a is shown disposed on the leveling ridges 130. The at least one strut 115 may be disposed against an edge of the first tile 300 a. Tile distal surface 303 of a second tile 303 is disposed on the at least one leveling ridge 130. The at least one strut 115 is shown disposed against an edge of the second tile 300 b.

FIG. 4A is a top view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a tile leveling device 100. In the depicted embodiment, the tile leveling device 100 includes two leveling ridges 130. The mortar passages 135 are shown disposed between the leveling ridges 130. In the depicted embodiment, the mortar passages 135 are not bounded by the base 120.

FIG. 4B is a top view drawing illustrating one alternate embodiment of a tile leveling device 100. In the depicted embodiment, the tile leveling device 100 includes three leveling ridges 130. Any number of leveling ridges 130 may be employed.

Mortar passages 135 are shown disposed between the leveling ridges 130. In the depicted embodiment, the mortar passages 135 are bounded by the base 120.

FIG. 5 is a perspective drawing illustrating one alternate embodiment of a tile leveling device 100. In the depicted embodiment, the tile leveling device 100 comprises one strut 115. The strut 115 may substantially centered along a longitudinal axis 146 of the base 120. As used herein, substantially centered refers to within 20% of a centerline of the base 120 along the longitudinal axis 146.

The tension gap 125 may be formed between the cross piece 110 and the base 120 on both sides of the strut 115 along the longitudinal axis 146. In the depicted embodiment, the tile leveling device 100 does not include a mortar passage 135. Alternate embodiments may include a mortar passage 135.

FIG. 6 is a front view drawing illustrating one embodiment of the tile leveling device 100 of FIG. 5. The break line 141 may be disposed an offset distance 147 in the distal direction 150 along the first axis 145 from the proximal ridge surface 132.

FIG. 7 is a side view drawing illustrating one embodiment of the tile leveling device 100 of FIG. 5. In the depicted embodiment, the single strut 115 has a first traverse width 170. Each spacing bar 175 may have a second traverse width 180.

FIG. 8 is a top view drawing illustrating one embodiment of the tile leveling device 100 of FIG. 5. In the depicted embodiment, the tile leveling device 100 includes two leveling ridges 130. No mortar passages 135 are shown.

FIG. 9A is a side view drawing illustrating one embodiment of the base 120. In the depicted embodiment, the proximal surface 121 of the base 120 includes a center 305 and outer edges 310. The proximal surface 121 may slope in the distal direction 150 from the center 305 of the base 120 to one or more outer edges 310 of the base 120. The slope of the proximal surface 121 may be in the range of 1 to 15° relative to the first traverse direction 155 and the second traverse direction 160.

FIG. 9B is a side view drawing illustrating one embodiment of the base 120 and leveling ridge 130. In the depicted embodiment, the leveling ridge 130 includes sloped ends 315.

FIG. 9C is a side view drawing illustrating one embodiment of the base 120 and leveling ridge 130. In the depicted embodiment, the leveling ridge 130 includes blunt ends 320.

FIG. 10 is a perspective drawing illustrating one embodiment of a base intersection 140. In the depicted embodiment, the base intersection 140 includes the break line 141. The strut 115 further includes a notch 143 that extends to the break line 141.

FIG. 11A is a perspective drawing illustrating one embodiment of a tensioner 200 and the tile leveling device 100. In the depicted embodiment, the tensioner 200 includes a tapered surface 201 and a leveling surface 203. The leveling surface 203 may be disposed on the proximal surfaces 301 of one or more tiles 300. In one embodiment, the leveling surface 203 is a flat surface. Alternatively, the leveling surface 203 may be a curved surface. In a certain embodiment, the leveling surface 203 is a combination of one or more flat surfaces and one or more curved surfaces.

The tapered surface 201 may be inclined at a taper angle in the range of 15 to 35% relative to the leveling surface 203. In one embodiment, the taper angle is relative to a virtual plane containing a front edge 209 and a rear edge 211 of the leveling surface 203 of the tensioner 200.

The tile leveling device 100 may be positioned with the tensioner 200 in the tension gap 125. In the depicted embodiment, a single strut 115 is disposed within a tensioner trough 207.

In the depicted embodiment, the tile leveling device 100 comprises the single strut 115 that is substantially centered along the longitudinal axis 146 of the base 120. The tension gap 125 is formed between the cross piece 110 and the base 120 on both sides of the strut 115 along the longitudinal axis 146. The tensioner 200 is forced through the tension gap 125 on both sides of the strut 115.

FIG. 11B is a perspective drawing illustrating one embodiment of a tensioner 200 and tile leveling device 100 of FIG. 11A disposed on tiles 300. A distal surface 303 of the first tile 300 a is disposed on a proximal ridge surface 132 of the leveling ridges 130 (not shown). The at least one strut 115 may be disposed against an edge of the first tile 300 a. A distal surface 303 of a second tile 300 b is disposed on the at least one leveling ridge 130. The at least one strut 115 is disposed against an edge of the second tile 300 b. A portion of the tension gap 125 and the cross piece 110 are disposed in the proximal direction 151 from a proximal surface 301 of the first tile 300 a and the second tile 300 b.

The tensioner 200 may be forced through the tension gap 125 until the tapered surface 201 contacts the cross piece 110, applying a leveling force to the first tile 300 a and the second tile 300 b from the leveling surface 130 of the tensioner 200 and the leveling ridges 130.

FIG. 11C is a side view drawing of a tensioner 200. In particular, a front of the tensioner 200 including the front edge 209 is shown. In the depicted embodiment, the tapered surface 201 comprises ridges 205 that impede extracting the tensioner 200 from the tension gap 125. For example, the ridges 205 may catch on the cross piece 110.

FIG. 11D is a front view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a tensioner 200 and a tile leveling device 100. In the depicted embodiment, the tile leveling device 100 comprises two struts 115. The tension gap 125 is bounded by the cross piece 110, the two struts 115, and the base 120. The tensioner 200 is forced through the tension gap 125 between the two struts 115.

The embodiments level tile 300 with leveling ridges 130 that are set above the base 120. As a result, mortar may freely flow between the base 120 and the tile 300. In addition, the break line 141 for the struts 115 are disposed the offset distance 147 from the proximal ridge surface 132 of the leveling ridges 130. As a result, the setting of the mortar relative to the base 120 is improved.

FIG. 12A is a side perspective drawing illustrating one alternate embodiment of a tile leveling device 100. The tile leveling device 100 includes a tower 105 and a device base 171. The tower 105 includes a cross piece 110 and two struts 115 that extend in the distal direction 150 along the first axis 145 from the cross piece 110.

The device base 171 is connected to the two struts 115 at a base intersection 173. The device base 171 extends along a traverse axis 160 from the two struts 115. The device base 171 may include two base triangles 177. Each base triangle 117 may include an outer triangle vertice 183. Each strut 115 comprises a notch 143 along a break line 141 at an outer intersection of the strut 115 and the device base 171.

The tile leveling device 100 further includes a leveling stage 113. The leveling stage 113 is disposed on a proximal surface of the device base 171. The leveling stage 113 may receive a tile. The cross piece 110, the two struts 115, and the leveling stage 113 form the tension gap 125.

FIG. 12B is a front perspective drawing illustrating the tile leveling device 100 of FIG. 12A. Each base triangle 177 may have opposing inner triangle sides 179 along a cross axis 181. The outer triangle vertices 183 may be along the cross axis 181. The outer vertices 183 may be flattened. The two base triangles 177 may be connected by a base bar 185 along the cross axis 181. The flattened outer vertices 183 and/04 strut outer edges extend outward an outer distance 182 along the cross axis 181. The base bar 185 may have a width in the range of 5 to 25 mm along the traverse axis 160.

FIG. 13A is a perspective drawing illustrating one embodiment of a break area 149 for the tile leveling device 100 of FIGS. 12A-B. Each strut 115 may include the break area 149 positioned with a break area distal edge 148 along the break line 141. The break area 149 may be a rectangle. The break area 149 may extend in the range of 3 to 20 millimeters in the proximal direction 151.

The tile leveling device 100 may include a break ridge 193 that extends in the proximal direction 151 from the device base 171 and/or base triangle 117 base triangle 117. The break line 141 may be along a proximal side 194 of the break ridge 193.

FIG. 13B is a side view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a break area 149. In the depicted embodiment, the break line 141 is disposed an offset distance 147 in the distal direction 150 along the first axis 145 from the leveling stage 113. The offset distance 147 may be in the range of 1 to 12 mm. The break line 141 may be on the break ridge 193.

FIG. 14A is a side perspective drawing illustrating one alternate embodiment of a tensioner 200. The tensioner 200 includes a leveling surface 203, a tapered surface 201, a leveling platform 221, and a bubble level 223.

The leveling surface 203 is disposed on proximal surfaces 301 of first and/or second tiles 300. The tapered surface 201 may taper from a front edge 209 disposed opposite the leveling surface to the level platform 221.

The bubble level 223 may be embedded in the leveling platform 221. The bubble level 223 indicates whether the leveling platform 223 and/or the leveling surface 203 is level.

FIG. 14B is a top view drawing illustrating one alternate embodiment of the tensioner 200 of FIG. 14A. The tensioner 200 is forced through the tension gap 125 until the tapered surface 201 contacts a cross piece 110, applying a leveling force to the first and second tiles 300 from the leveling surface 203 of the tensioner 200 and the leveling ridges 205.

FIG. 14C is a side view drawing illustrating one alternate embodiment of the tensioner 200 of FIGS. 14A-B. A first separation distance 193 a is between the tapered surface 201 at the front edge 209 and the leveling surface 203. The leveling platform 221 separated by a second separation distance 193 b from the leveling surface 203. The leveling platform 221 is parallel to the leveling surface 203. In one embodiment, the tensioner 200 includes a heel 206.

FIG. 14D is a bottom perspective drawing illustrating one alternate embodiment of the tensioner 200 of FIGS. 14A-C. The leveling surface 203 is shown. The entire leveling surface 203 may be coplanar.

FIG. 15A is a side perspective drawing illustrating one alternate embodiment of a tile leveling device 100. The tile leveling device 100 includes a tower 105 and a base 120. The tower 105 includes a cross piece 110 and two struts 115 that extend in the distal direction 150 along the first axis 145 from the cross piece 110.

The base 120 is connected to the two struts 115 at a base intersection 173. The base 120 extends along the first traverse direction 155 and the second traverse axis 160 from the two struts 115. Each strut 115 comprises a notch 143 along a break line 141 at an outer intersection of the strut 115 and the device base 171.

The device base 171 includes side edges 186 and front edges 187. In one embodiment, the device base 171 includes a diagonal cutout 188.

The base 120 may include the ridges 130 disposed on the base 120. The ridges 130 may receive one or more tiles 300. The cross piece 110, the two struts 115, the base 120, and/or the ridges 130 form the tension gap 125.

FIG. 15B is a side perspective drawing illustrating one alternate embodiment of a tile leveling device 100. The tile leveling device 100 includes a tower 105 and a device base 171. The tower 105 includes a cross piece 110 and two struts 115 that extend in the distal direction 150 along the first axis 145 from the cross piece 110.

The device base 171 is connected to the two struts 115 at a base intersection 173. The device base 171 extends along the traverse axis 160 from the two struts 115. Each strut 115 comprises a notch 143 along a break line 141 at an outer intersection of the strut 115 and the device base 171.

The device base 171 includes side edges 186 and front edges 187. In one embodiment, the device base 171 includes a diagonal cutout 188.

The tile leveling device 100 includes the leveling stage 113 disposed on the device base 171. The leveling stage 113 may receive one or more tiles 300. The cross piece 110, the two struts 115, and the leveling stage 113 form the tension gap 125.

In one embodiment, the leveling stage 113 includes two recesses 191 extending in the first traverse direction 155 and the second traverse direction 160 respectively. The recesses 191 may receive mortar while leveling the one or more tiles 300.

Embodiments may be practiced in other specific forms. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

1. A tensioner comprising: a leveling surface disposed on proximal surfaces of first and/or second tiles; a tapered surface that tapers from a front edge disposed opposite the leveling surface to a level platform, wherein there is a first separation distance between the tapered surface at the front edge and the leveling surface; the leveling platform separated by a second separation distance from the leveling surface, wherein the leveling platform is parallel to the leveling surface; and a bubble level embedded in the leveling platform, wherein the bubble level indicates whether the leveling platform and the leveling surface is level.
 2. The tensioner of claim 1, wherein the tensioner is forced through a tension gap until the tapered surface contacts a cross piece, applying a leveling force to the first and second tiles from the leveling surface of the tensioner and the leveling ridges.
 3. The tensioner of claim 1, the tensioner further comprising a heel.
 4. A tile leveling device comprising: a tower comprising a cross piece and two struts that extend in a distal direction along a first axis from the cross piece; a device base connected to the two struts at a base intersection and extending along a traverse axis from the two struts, the device base comprising two base triangles each with opposing inner triangle sides along a cross axis, outer triangle vertices along the cross axis, the two base triangles connected by a base bar along the cross axis, wherein each strut comprises a notch along a break line at an outer intersection; and a leveling stage disposed on a proximal surface of the device base, wherein the cross piece, the two struts, and the leveling stage forms a tension gap.
 5. The tile leveling device of claim 4, wherein the break line is disposed an offset distance in the distal direction along the first axis from the leveling stage.
 6. The tile leveling device of claim 4, wherein each strut further comprises a break area positioned with a break area distal edge along the break line and the break area is a rectangle and extends in the range of 3-20 millimeters in a proximal direction.
 7. The tile leveling device of claim 6, wherein the base triangles comprise flattened outer vertices.
 8. The tile leveling device of claim 6, wherein the flattened outer vertices and strut outer edges extend outward an outer distance along the cross axis.
 9. The tile leveling device of claim 4, further comprising a break ridge that extends in the proximal direction from the device base, wherein the break line is along a proximal side of the break ridge.
 10. The tile leveling device of claim 4, wherein the base bar has a width in the range of 5 to 25 mm along a traverse axis. 